Open letter on behalf of the First Nations leaders to the Right Honourable Governor General David Johnston and the Right Honourable Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper

OTTAWA, Dec. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the National Executive of the
Assembly of First Nations, we write today regarding an urgent matter
requiring immediate attention. As First Nations leaders from
coast-to-coast-to coast, those with inherent rights and title and those
with whom the Crown has entered into Treaty, we collectively raise our
voices about the critical situation facing First Nations.

On December 11th, 2012, Chief Teresa Spence commenced a hunger strike to call attention
to the dire conditions which many First Nations communities and peoples
face, and to protest the disrespect and shameful treatment of First
Nations by the Government of Canada. She has stated that she will
remain on this hunger strike until a meeting is achieved between the
Crown (including provincial Crown representatives where the provincial
Crown is involved as in Treaty 9) and all Treaty First Nations to
discuss the Treaty relationship and our respective obligations and
outstanding issues. This situation creates an urgency that is foremost
in our minds and is a direct correlation to the humanitarian crises
being faced in many First Nations communities today

The Government of Canada has not upheld nor fulfilled its
responsibilities to First Nations, as committed to by the Crown
including at the Crown-First Nations Gathering January 2012. Canada
has not upheld the Honour of the Crown in its dealings with First
Nations, as evidenced in its inadequate and inequitable funding
relationships with our Nations and its ongoing actions in bringing
forward legislative and policy changes that will directly impact on the
Inherent and Treaty Rights of First Nations. Treaties are international
in nature and further indigenous rights are human rights, both
collective and individual and must be honoured and respected.

We seek an immediate commitment to a meeting with you as the
representative of the Crown, together with the Prime Minister of
Canada, to demonstrate respect and attention to the priorities set by
First Nations. All First Nations across Canada stand united and in
solidarity in advancing this urgent call for action and attention.

Respectfully,

National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo
In behalf of the National Executive of the Assembly of First Nations